New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-11-20

nothing less than new theory Of the constitr
ton OF the universe. This comes before the
puohc with all the sanction derived from a paper
read before the Royal Society, and with all the
authority attached to the name of the distinguished
astronomer, Mr. Norman Iockyer. lie new
theory, he declares is the result not Of speculation,
but OF spectroscopic research. 1t is summed up in
the statement that all the sef-luminous bodies
in the celestial spaces composed of meteorites
or masses OF mcteorc vajor. produced by heat
brought about by the condensation Of meteor
swarms due to gravity. This hypothesis if ac-
cepted may, as one eulogist remarks weld all
previous knowledge into harmonious whole.
At present it is received 10y men Of science under
all reserves.
Lord Stair has disappointed everybody but
violent partisons, and some of them, by givin,
the casting vote for Lord Iytton Ms
Lord Rector Of Glasgow University
Lord RoScbcry had q majority and Lord
Stair might gracefully have recognized that
as a reason for prefcrring him TO Lord Lytton.
But politics are paramount. The decision was
taken after consultation with Liberal Unionist
leaders. and is only one more proof of the extreme
| intolerance so often shown in these days on both
sides Strictly speaking. the election Of Lord
Rector is the students business. But the inter-
of finding any common ground on which the two
sections of the Liberal party in Scotland can stand
Colonel Valentine Bakers death rcvives the
memory Of the unhappy scandal which ended his
career as officer OF the British army Notices
OF the dead soldier are for the most part kindly.
Many say what many have always thought that
Colonel Baker was harshly punished for what
they softly call an indiscptiOn. It was well
known to be the Queen who cnshcred him. The
young lady on whom the outrage was attempted
has remained unmarried Colonel Baker be-
yond question one of the most brilliant officers in
the army. His defeat in Egypt was no fault OF his
Yet never after was chance given him. The Duke
of Cambridge, who vainly strovc TO induce the
Queen 10 reent, now uses his authority as Com
mander-in-Chef TO direct that ful; military donors
be paid to Colonel Baker by the English garrison
at Cairo
"1he Athen cum in reviewing April Hopes
makes rather striking remark saving Mr.. IIowclls
is Of course still intensely American That. always
strongly in his favor among English readers IS
probably one of the reasons Of his popularity. At
all events, it ought to be. Yet his new novel is
thought void Of story and interesting only as an
imaginative analysis of commonplace characters
Darwin's Life and Letters is copousy re-
viewed this morning. All the leading apers agree
that it is of the profoundcSt interest alike on the
PERSONAL and scientific side.
Miss Adelaide Dctchon has gone to Edinburgh
and receives this evening testimonial from the
students Of Edinburgh University. This accom-
plished young American has lately been rccitiac
in the chief provincial cities with extraordinary
success lie Edinburgh testimonial Is bclicv,
intended TO mark the anniversary Of her first
public appearance in entertainments which the
English public have found equally novel and
charming. G. W :